Jesus, the Dividing Line

Service Notes

puzzle from two weeks ago

Beau Carpenter is preaching tonight

Bible Reading

Big Picture

In Luke 12:49–14:24, Jesus is calling on his audience to note the nature of the time—

a time when God is making divisions among people,

a time when people should be able to see what God is doing through Jesus

a time when Israel had better respond before becoming nationally responsible for rejecting God’s messenger.

After this section, Jesus’ attention will shift almost exclusively to his disciples, for Israel will have missed the warning he issues here.

Sequence

the cause of division (vv. 49–53), the call to consider the signs of the times (vv. 54–56), and the call to settle one’s accounts (vv. 57–59).

What holds them together is the theme of an expectation that life as we know it will end someday and it will be glorious and horrifying. and this knowledge should impact the life of believers in the present.

The sequence is important.

Jesus’ ministry forces choices and divides families.

In considering such choices, one should examine the evidence that indicates that God has indeed sent Jesus, just as one reads the skies for the weather.

And one should remember that as debtors to God, we should settle our accounts

The Cause of Division

49 I am come to send fire on the earth; and what will I, if it be already kindled?

50 But I have a baptism to be baptized with; and how am I straitened till it be accomplished!

51 Suppose ye that I am come to give peace on earth? I tell you, Nay; but rather division:

52 For from henceforth there shall be five in one house divided, three against two, and two against three.

53 The father shall be divided against the son, and the son against the father; the mother against the daughter, and the daughter against the mother; the mother in law against her daughter in law, and the daughter in law against her mother in law.

Call to Consider the Signs of the Time

54 And he said also to the people, When ye see a cloud rise out of the west, straightway ye say, There cometh a shower; and so it is.

55 And when ye see the south wind blow, ye say, There will be heat; and it cometh to pass.

56 Ye hypocrites, ye can discern the face of the sky and of the earth; but how is it that ye do not discern this time?

Command to settle one’s accounts

57 Yea, and why even of yourselves judge ye not what is right?

58 When thou goest with thine adversary to the magistrate, as thou art in the way, give diligence that thou mayest be delivered from him; lest he hale thee to the judge, and the judge deliver thee to the officer, and the officer cast thee into prison.

59 I tell thee, thou shalt not depart thence, till thou hast paid the very last mite.

Introduction

Growing up in the summer with a step brother and step sister that were roughly my age led us to drawing many lines that we would have to continually redraw. Don’t cross this line. Now don’t cross this line. Life is full of artificial lines. Some lines Jesus came and removed.

There is a line that came as a result of knowing Him that cannot be moved. It runs from here all the way through eternity. Some of you feel the consequences from being on the this side of the line.

Cause of division (vv. 49–53)

Luke 12:49-53 “49 I am come to send fire on the earth; and what will I, if it be already kindled? 50 But I have a baptism to be baptized with; and how am I straitened till it be accomplished! 51 Suppose ye that I am come to give peace on earth? I tell you, Nay; but rather division: 52 For from henceforth there shall be five in one house divided, three against two, and two against three. 53 The father shall be divided against the son, and the son against the father; the mother against the daughter, and the daughter against the mother; the mother in law against her daughter in law, and the daughter in law against her mother in law.”

Purpose Statement: I have come

Luke 12:49-50 “49 I am come to send fire on the earth; and what will I, if it be already kindled? 50 But I have a baptism to be baptized with; and how am I straitened till it be accomplished!”

statements are designed to summarize his ministry.

Image of fire

The image of fire can refer to judgment (3:9) or to the Spirit (3:16).

The Old Testament image of fire describes the purifying message of the prophets (Jer. 5:14; 23:29).

Jesus’ message reveals the judging and purging work that his ministry represents: to provide the way for people to make decisions about where they stand and to offer them the opportunity to be repent (5:31–32)

Robert Fulghum tells the odd story of a fire crew that broke into a house with smoke pouring out of the window and found a man in a smoldering bed. After the man was rescued and the mattress doused, they asked, “How did this happen?” The man replied, “I don’t know. It was on fire when I lay down on it.”

That story strikes us as funny because it is so strange. Who in their right mind would lie down on a burning mattress? You can’t be passive about fire. You have to deal with it or it will consume you!

Jesus draws a line that forces us to take sides.The offer of the gospel necessarily divides people into two opposing camps. There is no neutral ground.

Line is drawn with the cross of Christ

Luke 12:50 “50 But I have a baptism to be baptized with; and how am I straitened till it be accomplished!”

Jesus is headed quickly to the cross. The joy set before Him but the realized of such agony.

He would be immersed under the flood of God’s wrath against sin.

The great agony of the cross was the reality of the sinless One becoming the sin-bearer. 2 Cor 5:21 “21 For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.”

Many will recognize their sinful state and embrace the message of the cross. Most will reject any message that says they are sinners and in need of a Savior. This separation runs along that line. It runs through families.

We have missionaries among us today. We will soon be separated from them by geographical lines. But we rejoice in knowing we are both clinging together on the right side of the line that will matter for all eternity.

Jesus creates a crossroads

Luke 12:51 “51 Suppose ye that I am come to give peace on earth? I tell you, Nay; but rather division:”

No doubt, it is one of the most staggering phrases to come from Jesus’s lips.

Jesus knows that he forces choices, so he does not bring peace “but division.”

Every combination possible gets mentioned: father and sons, mothers and daughters, in-laws against in-laws

What are we to make of this?

Jesus who told us to love our enemies. Matt 5

One called Prince of Peace Isaiah 9

Jesus promised the world would know us by our love John 13

Now told to hate my wife, my children, and my parents? Luke 12:52-53 “52 For from henceforth there shall be five in one house divided, three against two, and two against three. 53 The father shall be divided against the son, and the son against the father; the mother against the daughter, and the daughter against the mother; the mother in law against her daughter in law, and the daughter in law against her mother in law.”

Elsewhere, I am told to love my wife Eph 5

I am told to love my children Eph 6

I am told to love my parents Exodus 20

How do we reconcile this?

Here is a key to understanding. Matthew 10:36-37 “36 And a man’s foes shall be they of his own household. 37 He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me.”

Crossroads

It is in moments like these that the crowds greatly thin out.

“It is not the Gospel which is to blame [for such divisions], but the rebellious heart of man.”

John 6:66 “66 From that time many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him.”

Jesus is proclaiming and demanding His rightful place to our all!

When the deacons text each other and say, let’s put off the meeting about the new building. The Pastor is saying the things again that people will not want to hear.

The contrast

“Let me tell you why you should not follow Jesus” was the title of a sermon David Platt says in his book Radical that his preaching professor preached. Many people responded to the Gospel that night. He tried preaching a few nights later and he must have done a better job because no one responded.

Our love for Christ should our love for all other things, including family, look as hate in comparison.

My love for him should be greater than any earthly possession. Jesus is the treasure in the field. When i find him I would be willing to sell all that I have to secure Him.

My loyalty to him is greater than my loyalty for my father. I remember attending my fathers funeral, very vividly. I cannot imagine anything that would have kept me from being there. Except if Jesus would have asked me to not attend as he did the man in Luke 9. - I expect this line of thinking make many uncomfortable,

My love for him should be greater than my love for my child. Children are a gift from God. No one knew this any better than Abraham and Sarah.

“Jesus offers himself as peace, but when supreme love for him is not shared in a family, he becomes a divider.”

Why talk like this?

Extreme nature of the statements it uncomfortable but very clear

Will we accept that his claim on us is a thousand times stronger than any other claim?

Will we, in the most extreme and difficult situations, accept the agonizing choices for Christ that make us look unloving?

Will we be willing to have our hearts misunderstood and slandered for his sake? 1 Peter 3:16 “16 Having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ.”

Transition: But there is guidance for the decision. Jesus calls on the crowd to reflect on their skills of discernment.

Call to consider the signs of the times (vv. 54–56)

Luke 12:54-56 “54 And he said also to the people, When ye see a cloud rise out of the west, straightway ye say, There cometh a shower; and so it is. 55 And when ye see the south wind blow, ye say, There will be heat; and it cometh to pass. 56 Ye hypocrites, ye can discern the face of the sky and of the earth; but how is it that ye do not discern this time?”

Ye Hypocrite, but in what way?

Do you remember the weather man of your childhood? Cal Sisto/Misto They were all the weather men.

If clouds come from the west and the Mediterranean, they know rain is coming.

If wind comes from the southwest off of the desert, they know it will be hot—so hot that the grass wilts (James 1:11; cf. Isa. 49:10).

“On account of their unbelief and spiritual blindness they do not see the cloud of grace and blessings which appears with Him to all who believe in Him, nor do they observe the glowing heat of the judgment which He brings for those who are disobedient.”

The Stage is Set

The stage is set for a rebuilt temple, necessary to fulfill the prophecies of the abomination of desolation (Matthew 24:15, Mark 13:14, 2 Thessalonians 2:3-4). Since 1948 Israel is a nation again, and hopes of a rebuilt temple continue to rise among a minority of Jews.

The stage is set for the sort of world-dominating confederation of nations. (Daniel 2:36-45, Revelation 13:1-8, Revelation 17:10-14).

The stage is set for a political and economic world leader to arise (2 Thessalonians 2:3-12, Revelation 13:4-7).

The stage is set for the kind of false religion the Bible says will characterize the very last days (2 Thessalonians 2:4, 2 Thessalonians 2:9-12, Revelation 13:11-15, Revelation 17:1-6).

The stage is set for the kind of economic system predicted for the very last days (Revelation 13:15-17). The technology is available, and the need is present. China’s Social Credit system

None of these guarantees that the return of Jesus is soon but these things set the stage for the world have us as believers have been taken away.

Reveals this is an urgent matter.

During a training session for soldiers who were about to make their first parachute jump, the sergeant explained how to open the reserve chute if the main chute didn’t open. A private nervously raised his hand and asked, “Sergeant, if my main chute doesn’t open, how long do I have to pull my reserve?”

The sergeant looked directly into the young private’s eyes and replied earnestly, “The rest of your life, soldier. The rest of your life.” (In Reader’s Digest, February, 1982.)

Transition: Consider the uncertainty of life and the certainty of His return. . If one waits until they will stand before His throne of judgment, the time will then be too late.

Command to settle one’s accounts (vv. 57–59)

Jesus reminded them (and us) of the great penalty of not settling with God before the Day of Judgment.

Luke 12:57-59 “57 Yea, and why even of yourselves judge ye not what is right? 58 When thou goest with thine adversary to the magistrate, as thou art in the way, give diligence that thou mayest be delivered from him; lest he hale thee to the judge, and the judge deliver thee to the officer, and the officer cast thee into prison. 59 I tell thee, thou shalt not depart thence, till thou hast paid the very last mite.”

The assumption in this story is that your opponent has a good case against you so that if it reaches the judge, you’re going to get thrown into prison and you never will get out

No assumption in life. We know we would stay before God guilty.

By analogy, we can say that in light of the work of Jesus at the cross, God offers a settlement out of court (before judgment) with God, by putting our trusting love in who Jesus is and what He did for us on the cross.

More than enough information is available

Luke 12:57 “57 Yea, and why even of yourselves judge ye not what is right?”

Anyone who can judge what is right can see the importance and good of getting right with God before we come before Him as Judge.

These people have God in the flesh in their midst and they don't get it. They don't get it.

Why don’t they get it? Won’t don’t people get it today?

They had access to their Hebrew Bible.

Jesus lived among them.

They don't see their sin and they don't see their need.

If you don't understand who I am and what you need, nothing else is going to make sense.

Professed believer let me reword this for you.. if this demand for all does not make since to you. You may have never truly understood your need and who He is.

I would have great fear of my kids being raised in a home where Christ’s demands upon my life seem inconsequential.

When was the last time you were faced when a life decision and the decision was solely based upon the fact that Jesus is Lord and has the ultimate say in your life.

Story of a woman who went to the jewelry store to purchase a cross necklace. The young jeweler asked her fi she wanted one with the “little man on it.”

To many people Jesus is just a decoration to their life. Rather it be on a necklace or minimally on your schedule. Jesus is the “little man” in the story and not your Lord.

Paid the very last mite

Luke 12:59 “59 I tell thee, thou shalt not depart thence, till thou hast paid the very last mite.”

Occasionally asked if I am a hell, fire, and brimstone preacher. There is only one answer unless we are going to be false teachers. Yes.

Biblical truth that hell is eternal; because payment for sins is required, and imperfect person can’t make a perfect payment, required by a perfect God.

Is your account settled?

We all look for opportunities to share the Gospel, sometimes they walk up.

Man walks up to Jesus Matthew 19:16 “16 And, behold, one came and said unto him, Good Master, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life?”

Jesus response is not what we teach in our evangelism courses. Matthew 19:17 “17 And he said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God: but if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments.”

Keep the commandments? is this not work. Just pay attention and follow along.

The young man asks which one (v18) Jesus takes some of the last 5 of 10 Commandments. Matthew 19:18-19 “18 He saith unto him, Which? Jesus said, Thou shalt do no murder, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, 19 Honour thy father and thy mother: and, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.”

Young man says “okay I am good” failing the test in admitting he is a sinner.

Jesus moves on the the next question which is will you do what I say, will I be the ultimate source of authority, joy, and trust in your life. Will I be Lord

Matthew 19:21 “21 Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me.”

I fear many of you would pass the first test. Yes, I know I am a sinner but you would never go so far to say that Jesus is Lord of your life.

Jesus draws a line here. What side are you on today?

Will you leave as the man in this story.

Matthew 19:22 “22 But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful: for he had great possessions.”

Let’s review the sequence in today passage.

Jesus’ ministry forces choices and divides families.

Just like we are able to read the weather we must admit that Jesus has come and has clearly said He is coming again

We should remember that as debtors to God, we should settle our accounts before our death or His return